Near the gates of Luminous Academy, a vast crowd of students stood gathered in the open space. Their faces were etched with agony and despair; it was immediately apparent that none of them were there by choice.
Looming behind the students were Dogma and Hypno.
From a high platform overlooking the makeshift battlefield, Dogma gazed down with a look of growing irritation.
"They have arrived," she whispered.
At her words, the massive school gates shuddered. After vibrating under several heavy blows, they were flung wide with a thunderous crash. Hugo and a massive coalition of people surged into view.
"Hey, Dogma! I’m here to take everyone back!"
Standing at the front was the foolish rebel defying the Church—Hugo Clay. His best friend, Ryuga, stood at his side, while the allies who had joined their cause followed close behind, weapons drawn as they stormed the academy grounds.
Dogma felt a prickle of annoyance at the unexpected turn of events. They were supposed to be a small band, yet they had returned leading a force that looked more like a full-scale army. However, she did not lose her composure. She looked down at Hugo and those who followed him.
"Hugo Clay... do you truly understand what you are doing? My decision is the Church’s decision. By extension, that is the decision of this nation. To defy me is a grave sin—nothing less than rebellion against the state itself."
Hugo remained silent.
Even if she was relying on Hypno’s hypnosis ability, the fact remained that Dogma held the authority of the Central Church. By invoking the term "rebellion against the state," she was applying immense psychological pressure. She turned her gaze away from Hugo, addressing the crowd behind him instead.
"It is not too late. Capture this man and hand him over to me. If you do, God will surely forgive your transgressions."
If Hugo’s heart wouldn't break, she simply had to shake the resolve of his followers. She assumed that if anyone among them felt fear, they would surely succumb to her sweet words and plot a betrayal.
Just as the thought crossed her mind, an arrow whistled past her head.
"---!?"
"Tch! I missed. I guess I’m still not as good as you were, partner."
Jinba muttered the words as he lowered the crossbow. He had used his own magic power to enhance the weapon's range, staring at the memento once owned by his late partner. He looked back at Hugo for a moment, then glared up at Dogma and roared.
"What do you mean, 'God'!? I’ve heard everything from Hugo! Where is the justice in someone who turns students into puppets? You’re no messenger of God! You’re just a common villain!"
"We won't let you destroy our world!" another voice cried. "Not just the world—we won't let you take anything from Luminous Academy, not the students, and certainly not Fee-kun!"
"If you say heavenly punishment is coming for us, then we'll take it gladly! But we're going to blow you away first!"
Dogma’s expression darkened. "So... that is your answer. In that case, I have no choice."
The crowd’s shouts drowned out Dogma’s manipulation, echoing Jinba’s defiance. Her irritation reached a breaking point. How dare these nameless ants defy her? She raised her arm, and the hypnotized students immediately snapped into combat stances.
"Very well. I shall respect your wishes and deliver your punishment as God’s messenger. Contemplate the folly of throwing your lives away for nothing. Hugo Clay, you will spend your final moments regretting that so many people died because of you!"
"They’re coming! Everyone, get ready!" Hugo shouted.
"The students are just being controlled!" Jinba added. "Strip them of their weapons and magic items! Do whatever it takes to suppress them!"
"If you can't do it alone, team up! Don't kill anyone! And don't you dare... don't any of you die out there!"
In terms of raw numbers, the rescue force held the advantage. The lack of combat experience among the civilians was a concern, but they would have to bridge that gap through cooperation. No one would kill, and no one would be allowed to die.
While Jinba and the battle-hardened members of the Security Force took the vanguard, the crowd behind them roared with spirit. Standing at the very front, Hugo whispered to himself.
"A rebel, huh? Fine by me. Whether it's the state, a king, or a god... I'll blow them all away."
Steeling himself for the fight, he deployed his Blaster. Clad in his Black Iron Armor, he wondered if he should say something grand to the allies he had gathered. He briefly thought of the heroes from other worlds and considered shouting "Assemble," but he dismissed it as being too pretentious.
He took a deep breath, then let it out slowly. In his mind, words for his comrades began to form. Coincidentally, they were almost identical to the words spoken by a certain "Evil King" from his old world before a final battle.
A fierce, predatory smile spread beneath his helmet. His voice dropped to a low, resonating growl.
"Let's go... you rebels!"
Shouts, roars, and war cries erupted. At Hugo's signal, the entire force surged forward. Dogma swung her arm down, commanding the students to intercept them.
The curtain rose on the Grand Decisive Battle for the Destiny of the World.